Earlier notion that cholesterol in eggs and red meat would directly increase the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, has been proven wrong.

Next time someone tries to scare you from eating eggs or meat in the name of bad cholesterol, go on eating and happily introduce them to the latest study by the United States advisory health panel. According to it, earlier notion that cholesterol in eggs and red meat would directly increase the amount of serum cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol present in the blood, has been proved wrong.

For decades people have been restricted from enjoying a good high-cholesterol meal, such as red meat and eggs, saying they greatly increased the risk of heart disease and obesity. Even the United Sates Health Panel itself, had considered cholesterol in the diet a "nutrient of concern" five years ago.

However, their latest study, which has been undertaken by many doctors and nutritionists, say eating food high in cholesterol may not significantly affect the level of cholesterol in the blood or increase the risk of heart disease, reports the Washington Post.

"Many of us for a long time have believed the dietary guidelines were pointing in the wrong direction," Steven Nissen, chairman of the department of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said in an interview with NDTV. "It is long overdue."

According the study, the food that directly impacts the "bad cholesterol" and increases the risk of heart diseases are those that are heavy with saturated fats, such as fatty meats, whole milk, and butter.

While the new findings suggest that products such as eggs, shrimp or lobster, which are high in cholesterol, may not affect the cholesterol in blood, experts warn that people with particular health problems, such as diabetes, should continue to avoid cholesterol-rich diets.